Nepal and Qatar Discuss Economic Development, Tourism Promotion, and Cooperation

Kathmandu. Discussions were held between Nepal and Qatar regarding economic development, tourism promotion, and exchange of cooperation. The matter was discussed during a meeting on Monday between Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Minister Anil Kumar Sinha and Qatar's Ambassador to Nepal, Mishal bin Mohammed Ali Al Ansari.  

The discussion involved a meeting between the President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal, Board Member of Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mohad Ahmed M.A. Alobaidli, and representatives from Qatar Airways.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on further strengthening cooperation in Nepal-Qatar economic development, tourism promotion, expansion of air services, and the civil aviation sector.   Discussions were particularly focused on increasing the number of direct flights between Nepal and Qatar, adding new destinations, and exploring possibilities for collaboration between Nepal Airlines Corporation and Qatar Airways.  

During the discussion, Minister Sinha mentioned the necessity of active participation from international airlines for the full operation of Pokhara International Airport and Gautam Buddha International Airport, stating that Qatar Airways' role would be significant for this. He also informed that the government is emphasizing policy reform and facilitation to expand tourism, investment, and trade in Nepal.

FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal stated that there are possibilities for expansion in tourism, investment, aviation, hotel, and infrastructure sectors between Nepal and Qatar. He also mentioned that there are attractive opportunities in Nepal's hydropower, tourism, agriculture, and service sectors for Qatari investors.

Mohad Ahmed MA Alobaidli, Board Member of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated the need for long-term economic cooperation with Nepal. He expressed confidence that cooperation in aviation and tourism would further strengthen trade and people-to-people relations between the two countries.

It is expected that this meeting will take Nepal-Qatar relations to a new height and contribute to economic development through tourism promotion and expansion of air connectivity. The Qatari delegation arrived in Nepal on Sunday at the invitation of the FNCCI for the meeting of the Nepal-Qatar Joint Business Council (JBC).